Status and Coping Mechanisms in Cocolisap-Infested Farms in Tanauan City, Batangas

Date

5-2016

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management

College

College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Nohreen Ethel P. Manipol

Committee Member

Nimfa Beatris D. Montes, Hanna D. Miranda, Loida E. Mojica, Dinah Pura T. Depositario

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the current farm status and coping strategies undertaken by farmers in Cocolisap-infested farms in Tanauan City, Batangas.

Data gathering was conducted in the five most affected barangays in terms of the number of trees infested. Based on the latest assessment of the City Agricultural Office (CAO), Barangay Balele, where the first case in 2010 was reported, was the most affected followed by Barangays Boot, Bagbag, Tinurik and Bilog-Bilog, respectively. A total of 20 farmers were interviewed per barangay and were asked about their profile, state of their farms and coping mechanisms after the infestation. The data analysis technique utilized in the study was frequency analysis.

Most of the farms were small-scale (5 hectares or less). In terms of the current status of the farms, the Cocolisap population was already under control, thus, the remaining coconut trees were already recovering. However, only less than half of the original trees were left because the rest of the trees were mostly cut and sold as lumber while some died due to the infestation.

As the Cocolisap-infestation resulted to the loss of thousands of trees, the farmers

undertook on-farm and off-farm coping mechanisms to adapt to the situation. The on- farm coping mechanisms included shifting to another crop, increasing the number of

existing intercrops, adding or introducing new crops and the replanting of coconut trees, among others. Meanwhile, the off-farm coping mechanisms included off-farm job opportunities such as driving a tricycle and jeepney and applying for jobs as a carpenter or engaging in catering services as a cook or a crew member. Some farmers undertook both on-farm and off-farm strategies to recover their losses. However, most of them employed on-farm mechanisms, particularly increasing intercrops followed by coconut replanting. Since most of the farmers focused on intercropping, the crops selected by the farmers were assessed. The predominant intercrops selected by the farmers were compared to the recommended intercrops of Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA). The top three intercrops (banana, lanzones and rambutan) planted by the farmers were included in the list of intercrops of PCA. The estimated net income of the intercrops was computed based from the Coconut Intercropping Primer of PCA. Based on the computation, durian, citrus like calamansi, lanzones, mango, and squash gave the highest net income.

Since the farmers in Tanauan City had lost a significant number of coconut trees, PCA has been continuously helping the farmers to recover. PCA, as the leading agency in reviving Cocolisap-infested areas, has been giving free coconut seedlings and seeds for intercropping and providing projects like Participatory Coconut Planting Project (PCPP).

Based on the interviews, the problems and needs of farmers were identified. First, there was the lack of coordination between farmers and local government units (LGUs) in Barangays Tinurik, Bagbag and Boot. Second, some farmers did not receive the needed inputs such as coconut seedlings and fertilizer. Although PCA cannot provide all the needs of the farmers, coconut farmers should coordinate with the local government units so that their needs will be communicated to agencies like PCA. Lastly, there is a need to strengthen farmers’ organizations within their barangays to have efficient and effective communication among the farmers as well as with the LGUs.

Language

English

LC Subject

Beetles--Philippines, Farm management--Decision making

Location

UPLB College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Call Number

LG 993 2016 M17 G64

Notes

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Document Type

Thesis

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